Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP)
An Airside Vehicle Operators Permit (AVOP) is a permit that certifies airport personnel who are eligible to drive airside, which means driving within YSB aprons, runways and taxiways. Individual AVOP cards are specific to company duties and indicate level of accreditation.
AVOP Applicant Criteria
As an AVOP applicant, you must show that you have both a need and right to drive airside. After assessing your application form, we will determine the need, as well as the locations and frequency of your requested airside access.
How to Apply for AVOP
- Complete the Safety Awareness Training
- Complete the AVOP Application Form
Fill out the AVOP Application Form. Your supervisor or company’s Signing Authority must contact the Pass Office by email or telephone to validate permission for your AVOP request.
Please complete the online AVOP application form online. Handwritten information will not be accepted.
Once you’ve completed your online application and your supervisor or company’s Signing Authority has contacted the Pass Office to validate permission for your application, schedule an appointment for your AVOP Written Exam with the Pass Office.
- Schedule an Appointment with the Pass Office for the AVOP Written Exam
Schedule an appointment with the Pass Office
The AVOP written exam covers the fundamentals of airside safety. To prepare for the exam, review the AVOP Study Guide.
To Prepare for the AVOP Exam – AVOP Study Guide
Visit Our Portal For Download AVOP Study Guide
What to bring to the Written Exam:
- Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
- Valid provincial driver’s license (G1 license holders may not hold an AVOP)
- Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A), if applicable.
- Schedule your AVOP Practical Exam
Once your written exam has been completed and you have passed, a practical exam is conducted by Greater Sudbury Airport’s authorized examiners. To schedule your practical driving exam, schedule an appointment online with the Pass Office or call: 705.693.2514, ext. 275.
What to bring to the Practical Exam:
Arrive 10 minutes before your test time with the following documents:
- Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
- Valid provincial driver’s license (G1 license holders may not hold an AVOP)
- Vehicle in sound mechanical condition (vehicles with obstructed rear/side view will not be permitted)
For D and D/R (in addition to the above)
- Working VHF radio
- Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)
Renewing your AVOP or D AVOP
Renew your AVOP early, so you will have time to make multiple attempts in case you do not pass the exam on the first try.
- To renew a current valid AVOP, you need to pass both your written exam and practical driving exam up to 90 days before your current AVOP expires.
Wait Periods
Unsuccessful applicants will have to wait for 7 days after the first attempt and 14 days after the second attempt. Individuals who require a third attempt must obtain approval by making application to the ysbpassoffice@flysudbury.ca outlining the steps taken to ensure success.
New AVOP Applications and AVOP Renewal Applications
Be sure to bring all the required documentation for verification to the appointment:
- Provincial Driver’s Licence
- Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate (Aeronautical) (“D” permits only)
- Airport Restricted Area Pass Number
AVOP Renewals must be completed prior to issuing a RAIC renewal.
If the applicant fails to complete the AVOP renewal process prior to being issued a renewed RAIC, the applicant must surrender his/her AVOP privileges until such time that he/she is successful in the written and practical retesting of the AVOP.
When scheduling an AVOP Practical Test, the applicant MUST provide a suitable vehicle with an enclosed cab for testing.
** YOU HAVE 30 DAYS from the time of submitting the AVOP application to write your AVOP exam **
AVOP Permits must be renewed every five (5) years from date of issue OR when your RAIC expires –whichever comes first.
Please be advised that the Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP) must be returned to the Greater Sudbury Airport Security Office upon your termination at the Airport.
AVOP Appeals
AVOP holders may appeal the following:
- Notice of Infraction
- AVOP suspension
- AVOP revocation
To appeal an AVOP notice of infraction, submit your appeal in writing within 14 days of receiving the notice. You can submit your appeal by contacting the Pass Office.